Speedy Tigers hunt for upset against Asian champions India

KUALA LUMPUR: Speedy Tigers' national hockey coach Brendan Carolan aspires for Malaysia to narrow the gap with the world's top teams as they prepare to take on defending champions India in the Asian Champions Trophy tomorrow. Malaysia will face India at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Punjab, following their rise to world No. 12 after wins against South Korea and Bangladesh in their group stage matches.

Coach Carolan emphasized, "We don't just look to finish top two, but we want to close the gap on the big teams ahead of us." Despite India's formidable reputation, the Speedy Tigers are determined to show them what they are capable of in the match. Currently, the Speedy Tigers are the second-highest-ranked side in Asia, trailing only India, who is ranked No. 8.

Both teams boast nine points from three matches, with India leading on goal difference. The tournament features six teams, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals after the round-robin stage. Malaysia will conclude their pool fixtures against world No. 16 Japan on Monday, while India enters the contest with confidence after victories over Bangladesh, China, and Japan.

Malaysia's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, poses a significant threat, scoring five penalty corner goals in three matches, supported by a potent forward line comprising Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Shilanand Lakra. Malaysia's chances appear slim, as they have not won against India since the semi-finals of the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, where India won 5-1 in the final to secure a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The results from Friday's matches were: Malaysia 6 Bangladesh 1, South Korea 2 China 1, India 4 Japan 1. Tomorrow's fixtures include South Korea vs. Bangladesh at 5pm, China vs. Japan at 7:15pm, and Malaysia vs. India at 9:30pm, all taking place in Malaysian time.